  About Burnt Orange... A coming-of-age story of Erin and Erika, Texas twins in an abusive home in a town segregated by white and black color lines, who are wounded by the revealing of a shocking family secret and long to escape their circumstances and erase what they have been labeled. Follow their journey in this compelling novel filled with inspiration and triumph. I enjoy viewing maps and the globes at school as it makes me dream. I live in the largest state of Texas, along the muggy and swampy Gulf coast. The summers are really hot and humid here. Folks call this area of southeast Texas the Golden Triangle, where there’s a large Cajun Texan population. In our Lapland, we have gumbo cook-offs, Cajun festivals, crawfish boils, and zydeco radio. The part of the Golden Triangle that my family lives in is Orange, Texas. The year is 1991, and majority of our small town is segregated. We have pecan and moss trees canopying the paved streets. But somehow, the town was named Orange, like the fruit. You’ll hear some black folks call our town the Fruit. Occasionally, I see prints of burnt orange and yellow tints in the late-evening hazy skyline far above me. Black birds fly high above, embracing the sunset, while crickets chirped throughout the night. Traffic parades through our neighborhood street every evening, with homeboys blasting the latest rap music rumbling in their dashboards and trunks. Some of our neighbors are to blame for most of the congested traffic. Our neighbors keep a lot of company over at their house, but their folks never block our driveway. I think that’s ’cause most people around here think my momma is the police ’cause she works at the county jailhouse. Around here, blacks and white folks work and go to school together, but they hardly play together outside of that. There’s racial tension, and the railroad tracks divide our town along class status and color lines. We live on the east side of the tracks. I’ve heard black folks complaining about how mean the white people are here in Orange especially in nearby Vidor, which has a history of the Klan. My folks believe some whites are mean too. They talk about how whites work hard to keep black folks down. Daddy complains about not finding a good job ’cause of the white man. To me, if it’s that bad, then we all need to move away from here! There are a million places on this earth where we can live. It’s just that simple to me. I see myself living a new life away from here. I dream of living in a big city with crowded streets packed with all walks of life, tall skyscrapers, and the everyday hustle and bustle. But it’s just a dream I see every day in my head. “Erin and Erika, get up and do yo’ chores! Da dishes are dirty, and fold up my clothes!” Daddy yells at the top of his lungs. “In a minute, I wanna finish watching my show.” Daddy stumbles over me and then steps over Erika, who is sitting Indian style on the living room floor. He turns the television off during the last five minutes of our program. It’s our Saturday off, and we love to watch Teen Summit on BET. He never wants us to enjoy ourselves at anything. Erika jumps up and runs to the TV. As I’m standing up to my feet, Daddy pushes Erika, and she falls into my chest. Trailer: https://youtu.be/WHtNd8jrxt8 Purchase Links Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/burnt-orange-meiah-shaun/1127186718?ean=9781683143727 Amazon ebook: http://a.co/9y57n76 Amazon Paperback: http://a.co/3OcxrDz Connect Socially Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeiahShaun Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meiahshaun/ Website: https://www.meiahshaun.com 
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 Merry Christmas, and may your day be filled with joy and peace. My gift to you is a free download of A Woman's Design: Afflictions. It's available on #amazon for free today only. It's also the gift that keeps on giving. You can share this link with family and friends. Thank you for your faithful readership all year long. May you be blessed, as we celebrate the birth of a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRQMHXM    The women of The House of BeJeweled have faced their share of challenges. From barrenness to infidelity, from domestic abuse to loneliness, they each find their faith, strength, and womanhood tested. Olivia the doyenne of The House has her hands full managing her salon, her team’s drama, and her own love life. Yet, through faith and prayer she’s determined to make the House stand strong. Angel’s faithful heart has led her from heartache to heartbreak. When she dares to love again, she finds an old love isn’t through with her yet. Nikki’s determination to keep her family together leads her to spin a web of lies and deceit that affect more than just her. Kianna unleashes a web of pain, torment, and revenge on anyone in her path. Her treachery has now become deadly. When the last lie is told and the final page has turned will The House stand strong? The House of BeJeweled series! Excerpt...BeJeweled: Standing Strong “So, what does this mean now? Aren’t you tired of getting your heart broken?” Camille asked. Angel and her sister, Camille, were having lunch at Destiny’s Café in Buckhead. Angel needed a break from the salon. The ladies were supportive of what had happened with Kianna’s visit the day before, but Angel was hurting. “Yeah, I am. I guess I wanted to believe in him for us…you know, me and TJ. But, Black won’t change, Cami. I know he asked me to trust him, but it’s hard. I still love him,” Angel admitted. “I know you do,” Camille consoled, reaching across the table to pat her sister’s hand. “But, you have to do what’s best for you and my nephew. And I don’t believe Black is it. I know he was your first and only love, Angel. But, big sis, it’s time to move on. It didn’t work out the way you planned.” Angel placed her elbow on the table and rested her face in her hand. Releasing a sigh, she acknowledged her sister’s comment. “I know. It’s just so hard to let go. I thought the divorce would help me to break ties, but it didn’t. I thought getting involved with Alex would help me, and it didn’t either. Not as much as I’d hoped anyway. I really do enjoy spending time with Alex. He’s funny and caring; he excites me in a new and refreshing way. I care about him so much.” “But?” Camille pressed. “But, I haven’t gotten over Black.” “I guess I don’t understand your reservations about Alex. He’s a good man, and he really cares about you and TJ. So, what’s the problem?” “I don’t have reservations about him,” Angel sighed. She stared off into space, thinking about Alex. “It’s just I feel as if I don’t deserve him.” “Why?” Camille asked, appalled. “I can’t imagine why you think you don’t deserve such a great guy. You’ve paid your dues, Angel.” “I just have so much drama and baggage attached with Black in my life. I can’t turn my feelings off the way I want to, and he’ll always be a part of my life because of our son. It’s so hard to push away from him and deny what’s obviously a strong attraction we still share. All of that is unfair to Alex.” “Honey, a strong attraction does not a good relationship make. You need so much more. Don’t you know that by now? You and TJ deserve the best. Black has made his choices, and he has to deal with the consequences of those choices now. You don’t have to pay the penalty for them. His choice in cheating on you and lying to you for seven years has cost him his wife and her heart. Now you have to make up in your mind if you’re gonna keep being his doormat. Because this thing with Kianna obviously goes deeper than any of us could’ve imagined. She only told you tiny pieces of the game they’ve been playing. I don’t want to know how deep they really go. You can’t beat that, Ang. And I don’t believe she’ll ever be out of his life. And with the games he plays, someone’s gonna end up getting hurt.” “Someone already has.” Download The House Of BeJeweled Series...  About Chelle Ramsey...  Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle Thanks for joining me for another Fab Friday! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   Image from Urban Belle Mag https://urbanbellemag.wordpress.com/2010/03/08/against-all-odds-black-women-find-a-way-to-succeed-in-the-corporate-world/ Relationships abound in every aspect of our lives; work, home, school, church, the community, etc. We engage in relationships to fulfill some specific need in our lives. But what are you bringing to the table? I often hear people talking about cutting someone off, because they aren't adding to their lives, or they're bringing drama and negativity. Now I'm not suggesting that you maintain toxic relationships, allowing people to poison your mind, or hold you back from greatness. What I am asking, is what are you bringing to the relationahip? Don't always be trying to keep up with "Janet, Ms. Jackson if you're nasty," focusing on what have you done for me lately? That gets old and people are not always trying to be bothered with someone with their hand out. This holds true for every relationship in your life, including in the workplace. We spend a great deal of time with those we work with. If we count up an average work week we spend 40-60 hours on average with our co-workers, nearly the same amount spent with our family, who we only spend perhaps 40 hours per week with when we're not sleeping or traveling. Those relationships are essential for productivity, success, balance, and peace and happiness in the workplace. If you cannot get along with your co-workers, it makes for difficult days to get through at work. It causes the workplace to be stressful, tense, and even intolerable at times. When you find yourself in this place, do a slight attitude check.
How do you feel about your answers to the above questions? Last week I received a personal message from a former co-worker. Both of our job situations changed over the last couple of months, and while we did not have the opportunity to work together long, my work ethic, skills, and attitude obviously had an impact on her. She wanted to hire me into a position that she had available. She shared with me all the reasons she thought I would be perfect in the position. I didn't have to persuade her, at all. My work had done all of the talking within the few months, we knew each other. She already knew what I was bringing to the table. Now, I don't say any of this to be boastful. I simply want to share the importance of always giving your best at all times, even when you think no one is paying attention. Some of the same talents my husband sees in me, that I don't see in myself, this young lady was able to see. To be contacted at night about a job, because of my past behaviors is nothing but the favor of God. She was not the only one to express interest in working with me again; however, I also received information that another former employer would be interested in seeing me in a particular position. I believe this was the Lord's way of encouraging me to keep giving my best even in the work situation I'm in now. When things are great and when they're stressful, I have a responsibility to let His light shine through me. I have a responsibility to give my best to others, at all times, no excuses. Yes, I want to build work relationships that are beneficial to me, but I also want to be a blessing to others. I want them to feel the impact of my presence whether I am there or not. Do you have relationships in your life that are out of balance? If so, have you done a self-check? I have formed some beautiful relationships with some of the people I have met in my workplaces. I don't think this could have been done if I did not have an open, friendly attitude that allowed me to think of how I can help others, as well. Thanks for joining me for another Relationship Thursday. Toss me your comments below... About Chelle Ramsey...  Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle Thanks for joining me! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   Angel's heart is on the line and Alex is working over time to win it. After the loving is over, and after the sexing is done, she's questioning her choices. It's another #writerwednesday. This is a sensational sample from BeJeweled: Standing Strong, book 4 in The House of BeJeweled series. Alex was the first to break the kiss and left Angel wanting more. He picked up a remote and pressed a series of buttons before the room filled with Bootsy Collins’ I’d Rather Be With You. “Are you ready for this?” he asked, his heavy-lidded, sexually-intense green eyes filled with desire. “Mm-hmm,” she murmured. Taking her in his arms, he swayed back and forth with her to the music and rubbed a large, warm hand up and down her almost bare back. Angel bunched her hair in her hands as Alex found the clasp at the back of her halter and unfastened it from around her neck. She gasped at the coolness of his hands as her breasts poured into his palms while the shiny material pooled around her mid-section. Alex greedily drank in the sight before him. Angel tossed her head back, allowing him to have his fill of her as he bowed his head and took one pert, chocolate nipple into his mouth. The silkiness of her hair extensions caressing her bare back heightened her sensual awareness. She moaned as Alex continued to flick her nipple back and forth with his tongue and then lightly bit down with his teeth. His head moved to take the other one in his mouth, and Angel caressed his jet black hair in soft, and then hard strokes, encouraging him to love her more. She saw the smile slide over his face as he took in the complete loss of control on Angel’s face. He moved one hand from her waist and unbuttoned her skin-tight denim jeans. She enjoyed the feel of his hands on her behind for a moment before he slowly pulled the jeans down her legs. The cool crisp air of his apartment slightly soothed the flames of desire licking up her body. Her baby blue lace thong panties were the only thing keeping her covered from him. Angel kicked off her shoes and then slowly bent over to remove her jeans and her panties. Alex turned her around to watch her and stroked her bottom. When she stood back up, Angel faced him and then reached out and pulled his black cotton shirt from the waistband of his black jeans. Long black eyelashes decorated his beautiful green eyes, heavy with desire. Angel ran her hands over his chest, running her nails through the smattering of hair around his belly and waistband. He removed her hands from his chest and quickly unbuckled his belt. Angel’s hands got in the way once more in her impatience as she unbuttoned his pants and then unzipped them. She took a deep breath in, wondering what she would find underneath. Pushing his pants and underwear down at the same time, she bit down on her bottom lip when she saw the generous treasure he had been blessed with. Alex allowed a small smile to flit across his face as her eyes widened at the sight. Angel held her head back up after she had regained composure and grabbed his face in both her hands. They shared another small kiss before he spoke. “Are you sure?” “Uh-huh,” she whispered. “Hold on a sec.” Alex walked back to his room and returned with a gold package with black lettering in his hands.  “Let me see that.” Angel reached out and snatched the package from his hands. Tearing it open with her teeth, she never took her eyes from his. She sheathed him and then began stroking his scrotum with her left hand. Alex released a groan and hoisted Angel up in his arms when she finished. She tightly wrapped mocha-colored legs around his golden-colored waist. Her desire anxiously matched his when he bent his head forward and claimed her mouth once more as they made their way to his bedroom. Filled with desire, Angel barely caught a glimpse of her surroundings, but she was aware of charcoal walls and mustard colors before she felt the cool wall pressed against her back. Alex lifted her up higher and then shifted her weight before easing her down onto his shaft. “Mmm,” Alex moaned as he filled her. He used the powerful muscles of his arms to hold her weight. “I want you wide open for me,” he whispered against her mouth just before Angel felt herself thrown on the bed. Alex crawled on the bed with her and kissed her once again. Wasting no more time, he gently sealed the connection between the two of them. She rose up from the bed to meet him and worked her hips in time with his rhythm as he stroked and caressed her walls. “Alexxx!” she cried out. “Shhh.” He pressed his lips against hers, never losing his stroking rhythm. Insides quivering, Angel felt all the yearning bubbling up inside of her. For this moment in time, she wanted to be free to love and give of herself, and she would have no qualms in the morning. For the first time in a long time, she felt ready to move forward with her life. After her sweet release, he growled and released a string of unintelligible words in an explosive culmination. Alex pulled her into his arms, “My sweet Angel.” He kissed her on the left shoulder and held her tight. “What are we doing, Alex?” Angel asked, scooting down to listen to his heart beating in his chest.  Download BeJeweled: Standing Strong About Chelle Ramsey...  Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle Thanks for joining me for another Writer Wednesday! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   It's another Motivational Monday Moment, and today, Brenda Watson Larnell is joining us to encourage us with how Jeremiah 29:11 impacted her life. So inspirational and encouraging, she gives us a gentle reminder about how we plan for our future. Read On... Jeremiah 29:11New International Version (NIV) 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. When making plans for our lives, it is important to ask ourselves this question,: “Are my plans aligned with God’s plans for my life?” When I was in Graduate School in Atlanta, Ga., I decided that I would make Atlanta my home. I was going to graduate with my Masters Degree, get a job, an apartment, and live my life like it was golden! It was a great time in my life because I had plans and a future. However, just two days after I submitted my Graduate Thesis, I received a phone call from my Dad telling me that my Grandmother, who raised me, was in the hospital, and it wasn’t looking good. After informing my Graduate Advisor, I booked a flight home. Needless to say, the plans that I had were immediately placed on the back burner, because my goal was to get to my grandmother. I don’t remember who said this, but it is so true, “Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” My grandmother recuperated, and lived 15 years after that. I stayed home, started my teaching career, and lived my life, and it has been golden. I’ve only gone back to Atlanta to visit. I remember when I revealed ‘my Atlanta plans’ to my grandmother, she asked me one thing… “Did you talk to God about those plans?” I could only shake my head. She didn’t say anything; just gave me that wise woman smile. Shortly after that, while in Bible study, my Pastor spoke on Jeremiah 29:11. What an epiphany! Since then I have never made plans without praying that scripture, and asking God to align my plans with His plans for me. The promise in that scripture is so affirming. His plans will prosper you (to take care of you), not harm you, ( not abandon you) plus give you hope and a future (the future that you hope for). So, while you are living your life and making plans, include God. Allow Jeremiah 29:11 to guide you. Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   It's another Fab Friday and today Anita Davis is here sharing her new release, Hues! Isn't the cover beautiful? It's the story of a beautiful, supermodel living a double-life, while running from love. Read on... Blurb... Supermodel, Liv Summers, better known as Phaedra Winters to her hometown, is esteemed by the industry and her fans for her flawless beauty and matchless runway and shoot presence. Ten years in the limelight and hiding her true identity has kept her from getting close to anyone other than her assistant. Landing gigs, ripping runways, and nailing ads is never a problem for her, but keeping her identity intact and ignoring her growing attraction for a certain photographer is turning out to be the hardest parts of her career to date. World-renowned photographer, Parker Anderson, has his annual shoot and exhibit coming up during New York’s fashion week. While he’s known to make any subject or setting he captures come alive, no ordinary model will do for him. There’s just one hiccup to making the concept for his annual spread transition from a dream to reality; Liv Summers won’t agree to do it. Not only is he pressed to get Liv to do the shoot, but in spite of vowing never to date another model, the pull towards her is too strong to deny. Will he find the right angle to win her over for the shoot and capture her heart? Excerpt... Simone leaned over and whispered, “What are you doing? Your seats are in the front.” “I know. They always seat me up front, but since you insist I stay for the screening, then tonight’s goal is to not be seen,” she said the last of her words through tight lips, trying to counter the dismissive stare Simone was shooting her way. Someone cleared their throat on the other side of Phaedra and a deep, intense voice said, “That might be hard given how beautiful you are.” Phaedra froze. The deep and rich voice, a familiar one from recent interactions, the unnerving scent of the cologne that prickled the fine hairs on her neck and sent her stomach topsy-turvy, made her hesitant to look to where the voice came from. If it was who she thought it was, she’d have no choice but to look into the pair of penetrating dark brown eyes of the man that had suspended her senses when she was in the middle of her signature turn on the runway the last time she stared into them. “Parker?” She slowly turned her head in his direction to see it was indeed Parker, staring at her. About Anita Davis...  Anita Davis is a former elementary teacher born and raised in Chicago. Although she wrote short stories much of her childhood, she didn't unlock and cultivate her passion as a writer until she became a writing teacher for middle school students. The more she had to create sample writings for her students, the more she realized her passion and ability to tell stories in the written form. She decided to hone her craft as a writer by completing her Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing via National University. She now pursues writing books most of her time, in addition to being a flight attendant and a substitute teacher. She is Co-Founder of Book Euphoria, a group of Chicago authors bound by their love of literature. Book Euphoria hosts Book It Chicago bi-annually, a literary event series and they also founded the empowerment movement, Black Girl Passion. Anita seeks to encourage, engage, and entertain her readers. Contact links: authoranitadavis@gmail.com Facebook: Anita Davis or Author Anita Davis https://www.facebook.com/authoranitadavis/ Instagram: AuthorAnitaDavis Twitter: _AnitaDavis www.authoranitadavis.com Sales Links: bit.ly/HuesAnitaDavis bit.ly/HuesPaperback Thanks for joining me for another Fab Friday Feature! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12 The above Scripture at first glance is inspirational, but have you ever tried to walk in it, during times of adversity? You will find that being joyful, patient, and faithful are not always easy in the good times and difficult at best in the challenging times. However, I have learned that the difficulty only comes about when I attempt to do it in my own strength. My author friend, Unoma Nwankwor shared this as her favorite Scripture on Monday. Here's my take on it below... When things appear to be impossible or dim, those are the times we need hope the most. Placing our hope in Christ will bring us that joy we seek. This is a joy that can sustain us in even the most adverse times. We can do all of the above by simply trusting in Christ and allowing Him to give us direction, and waiting for His guidance. What does it look like to place your hope in Christ? For me, it's looking back over my life when I have gone through tough times. It's recalling how I felt in those moments that were bleak and appeared hopeless. When I am able to look back, recall how I felt in various situations, and seeing what I have been brought through, I know that is was only because of the Lord that I was able to overcome the situations. And I don't go looking for easy challenges that I faced, rather I look for those times that were extremely difficult and where I did not see a way out. It's the times that I know that there was no way I could have made it through without the help of the Lord. Then I compare my current situation to those situations, and I cannot help but rejoice. Why? I don't know how He will resolve the current situation, but I know that He will. What's even more important, is that I know that I will learn something valuable in the situation that will serve for the future, or allow me to encourage someone else. Is patience something that you struggle with? Patience is something that many of us would do better to have; however, we're scared to ask for it, because there's a great lesson in that. Learning patience is a skill in itself, but when we learn to be patient during an affliction, we also find our walk with Christ becomes closer, we're able to hear from Him, we grow stronger for future afflictions, and there is a blessing in the experience. We simply have to be open to the journey and look for the blessing at the end. How committed to your prayer life are you? Some people pray more during the good times, while others pray more during the rough times. Our prayer lives should be equally balanced, not just during the good or just during the bad. Our Heavenly Father wants to hear from us daily. Just as we take time to converse with our spouses, significant other, children, or family and friends, our Creator wants to hear from us daily, too. He desires to hear what's on your heart and your greatest concerns. He welcomes us into His presence to minister praise unto Him, as well as to confess our faults and seek His guidance. There are days that I honestly rush through prayer, because I find myself running late. Maybe, I was up too late the night before writing, or I forgot about an appointment the next morning. Whatever the reason, I can tell the difference between spending time in His presence in the morning versus, shooting off a rapid fire prayer as though I was sending someone a text message or email. My heart is consumed with guilt when I place Almighty God on the back burner. I find that I'm not as organized, efficient, or productive in my day. My attitude is off and I don't have as much patience, faith, or love as I should when encountering others. Yet, when my prayer life is balanced, morning, noon, and night, I can see His hand at work in my life, I can hear His voice, I feel more balanced, humbled, and appreciative. Practicing joyfulness in hope, patience in affliction, and faithfulness in prayer has a purpose for our lives. It's His divine purpose to draw us nearer to Him, strengthen our relationship and walk in this life during adversity, and builds character. Can you think of a time when you have had to show these character traits or saw them in someone else, and perhaps it influenced your journey? Tell me more... In my novel, A Woman's Design: Afflictions three women face affliction and they are struggling to find hope, have no idea what patience means, and have lost their faithfulness to prayer. As a result, their faith is called into question as they each face life-altering challenges. With the threat of tragedy, devastating truths, and violence at their doorstep they will each have to face up to their imperfections and lack of faith.  Ambiance has found herself in a difficult situation. For the last few years, she has pleaded with her husband for his faithfulness and attention. Yet, his philandering ways has aborted any attempts at reconciliation within their marriage and the effort to start a family. Giving up on any hope of healing, she has turned away from her faithfulness to the Lord and become immersed in worldly attractions. When someone else begins to pay attention to Ambiance's heart, she must turn to prayer for strength, hope, and patience. Will her prayers be enough to protect her marriage, or is it too late? Download your copy today by clicking on the title below or the book cover...  A Woman's Design: Afflictions...  Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle Thanks for joining me! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   It's another #writerwednesday and today's post will give you a preview into A Woman's Design: Redemption. For too long, Ambiance has felt she needed a man to be complete. A savvy businesswoman, fashion diva, and lover of life, she has not made the best decisions when it comes to love. This young widow is seeking love again, but now she's asking herself the tough questions... “What took you so long?” Denver asked, looking at his watch. “Baby, I was only five minutes late.” “I know, but you told me you’d only be there another forty-five minutes,” he whined. “I know what I told you, but it couldn’t be helped. I got caught up in traffic on the way over. There was an accident. Some pedestrian was hit by a motorcycle. If it weren’t for that, I’d have been fifteen minutes early.” “Yeah, well…you could’ve called. I was worried about you. I ordered you the capriccio imperiale. I know how much you love their seafood,” he said, taking my hand in his. I fought not to snatch it back from him. It was amazing how I had gone from one man who didn’t show me any attention no matter how much I begged, to another man who wouldn’t allow me breathing room. I was upset about him taking the liberty to order for me, and it obviously showed on my face. “What’s wrong, Ambi? Don’t you want the salad? You usually always order that when we come here.” “I know. I was just in the mood for one of their pizzas tonight. Nothing more.” “I was just watching your calories for you. I’ve noticed you put on a few pounds lately, and I thought I’d help you out,” Denver supplied. I know my eyes bucked in my head when he said those words. Instead of going straight ghetto on him the way I wanted to, I pushed down a scream and turned away from him. My back turned to him, I bit my lip and squeezed my eyes shut until I knew I wouldn’t scream or rant at him. I chose to watch the other couples laughing and smiling around us. I wondered what their lives were like. “Aren’t you gonna talk to me, baby?” he asked, after the waiter placed our dishes on the table. Denver had been going on about his day for the last fifteen minutes, and I hadn’t heard a thing. I had chosen to block out his words and focus on the dream I had yesterday. It had been some time since I’d allowed Nick to rent a corner in my head space. But, I couldn’t deny I had always wondered how his touch would feel against my naked body. Shaking those thoughts from my head, I focused my attention back on the man in front of me. I plastered a fake smile on my face and tuned in to his words. “What is it, babe?” “I was asking if you thought you might be able to get a couple of my models I work with in your fashion show?” “Which ones?” I asked guardedly, still smiling with my chin cupped inside my hand. I had been stirring my food around on my plate absently. I wasn’t really hungry. “Um…I was thinking Lynn and Felice,” he answered. The smile suddenly slipped from my face. I know he did not just ask me to place Felice into my show. I was not a jealous woman by nature, but something about having your husband of four years cheat on you made you somewhat suspicious of ex-girlfriends. And I did not see the benefit of using Denver’s ex-girlfriend, Felice, in my show. “I don’t think that would be such a good idea, Denver.” I speared some calamari and green beans on my fork and shoveled them in my mouth. My food had lost its flavor, but I needed to preoccupy my mouth to prevent me from saying something I would later regret. “Why not? I think it would be wonderful. I mean, after all, they’re both talented and experienced models. Two beautiful women who will definitely sell the designs and the show,” he laughed. From the way he stared at me, I could tell Denver couldn’t understand why I couldn’t perceive the ingenuity behind his idea. Slowly chewing my food, I stared at him as if he had lost his mind. After I finished swallowing the last bit, I realized I could no longer prolong my answer. “We’re only using the women from the shelter. This isn’t just about the sales to raise funds and gathering donations, but it’s about building their self-esteem,” I explained for the umpteenth time. “Okay. But don’t you think it’d be great to add two professional models in there to show them how to walk, how to pose, how to project confidence, and all of the intricacies of modeling?” he implored, setting his fork beside his plate. “No, I don’t. In fact, it might hinder what we’re trying to do. I can only imagine the women who don’t have the confidence or self-esteem constantly comparing themselves against your models. They’ll never get to where we’re trying to get them to be. Besides, none of them are rail thin like Lynn and Felice. If anything, they’ll walk away from this a bit more scarred than they were before.” I began eating my food again. “How can you turn down the opportunity to have two professional models working with them, Ambi? Isn’t that selfish?” “No, it isn’t. Actually, what you’re asking me is a bit selfish. I don’t see how this is going to benefit the shelter or the women in the slightest. Anyway, we already have professional models, as you say, teaching them how to walk the runway, how to pose, and give the look,” I said, using air quotes. “The only difference is they won’t be on the runway stealing the spotlight from our ladies.” “What was that comment supposed to mean?” he asked. “What comment?” “The one about me being selfish?” I looked out the window of the restaurant at the passersby. I wished I could take my words back, because I knew they would lead to an argument. “Look, Denver.” I leaned forward and placed my fingertips together in a steeple, elbows on the table. I meant business. “Here’s the deal: I’m not interested in working with your ex on this show; not today, not tomorrow, and never in the future. Why is it so important for her to get on this show anyway?” Denver looked back at his plate once more and pushed it away from him. “It’s not about why it’s so important, Ambi. I just asked for one simple damned favor, and you couldn’t do that for me,” he said, shaking his head. “Look, let’s not do this here,” I said, looking around the restaurant. This was one of my favorite places to frequent, and I didn’t want to spoil it by having a confrontation with my boyfriend in public. “Let’s not do it at all. I’m out,” he said, tossing his napkin on the table and storming away. I shook my head and laughed. Denver was so petty and immature. This wasn’t the first time he had stalked out on me in the middle of dinner. It also wasn’t the first time he had stuck me with the bill. Hell, he would do that whether he was mad or not. What did I expect? I was thirty-four and he was twenty-seven. There was an age gap there, but when I met him, I never thought it would matter. Guess I was wrong. If you haven't read book one, click the image or title below to download now...  A Woman's Design: Afflictions  Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle Thanks for joining me this Writer Wednesday! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   Today's Motivational Monday Moment is a collaboration with fellow author, Unoma Nwankwor. She's sharing what Romans 12:12 means to her, and it is to the point and powerful! It is my hope that the words of my various writer friends will bring you encouragement, empowerment, and inspiration in the months to come. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 The Bible tells us that hope deferred makes the heart sick. And believe me the Bible ain't never told no lies. Waiting for something with all your might and it eluding you time an time again is literally sickening. Going through one storm after the other is equally tiring. Especially when you see God "answering" everyone else's prayer. My life's purpose born from my personal story is one of encouraging others in hope, This verse means a lot to me because when I feel like I can't take another step forward, when I feel like I can't pray another unanswered prayer, when I feel like the walls are closing in...I cling to Romans 12:12 for dear life. We're supposed to be joyful while we hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. Those are tall orders. In other words, we're instructed not to let our zeal subside, we must continue to confidently expect what He has promised. We will face trials, that is a guarantee but we're to remember what the Lord has done in the past and go through it in patience and no murmuring. A lot of us say we are waiting on the Lord, but sis, how you waiting tho? Are you constantly complaining? Lastly, the enemy is tricky, he will have you all in your feeling during trials. That is the time to praise, pray and worship through. Nothing throws him off than when you are praising when everything going on around you should make you cry. That is what Romans 12:12 does for me and I cling to it for dear life. Unoma Connecting with Unoma...Website: www.unwankwor.com Website: www.kevstelgroup.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unoma.osiegbunwankwor Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner. 
I was tagged in the 7s game on Facebook last week and I shared 7 sentences from a WIP I have called, Bel Amour. In my mind my character, Kennedy Holloway looks like model, Christina Santini and Elias Dacosta looks like actor, Kofi Siriboe. This is my first real LOVE STORY! I'm so excited about this project, but I have to be patient and let the baby finish baking in the oven before the birthing process. Anyhoo...I'm sharing an excerpt from that embryo today... Bel Amour Excerpt... Elias reclined in his bed. Tired after another round of business meetings, he had come in straight from the airport, not arriving home until ten-thirty. He’d showered, and ate the meal left for him by Gilda, his chef. All of that behind him, he had settled down and called Kennedy to let her know that he’d returned home. He had received her voicemail twice, before deciding maybe she was asleep for the night. Grabbing his remote, he turned on the TV, prepared to change it from Fox, the last station he’d watched. He hit the menu button to see what selections were available. Scrolling down and reading the list, he paused momentarily as he heard his name called out on the TV. “Does Elias know?” Mia Michaels co-host of CLM, Celebrity Life Magazine asked. “Apparently not,” Tammy Salters stated, looking down at a paper in her hand. “Our sources stated that he’s been out of town the last few days on some undisclosed business. When we tried reaching him we were unsuccessful, and his PR person told us he was unavailable for comment.” “Man…this is interesting. Ladies and gentlemen, we’d been reporting on how Atlanta’s most eligible bachelor seemed to be taken off the market, since his impending retirement. The ball star could often be seen at various events with a different woman on his arm, over the last several years. He had never truly been linked to one particular woman, until Miss Kennedy Holloway came along,” Drew Rogers stated, looking towards Tammy. “What did we find out about her, Tammy?” “Well, it seems that Miss Holloway, is actually Mrs. Holloway. She’s a former regional controller for Thomas Meyer, the international powerhouse investment company, Drew.” “So, she’s holding her own in terms of income…okay. But she’s married?” Mia followed up. “Our sources say she and her husband are in the process of divorcing. But get this…it seems that for some reason she quit that high-profile career with a lucrative income, to become a freelance photographer,” Tammy confirmed. “Whoa! Do I smell a story here?” Drew asked, stroking his beard. “I don’t know, but that brings us back to our original story, Drew. She was supposed to be divorcing, but it seems like Elias Dacosta may have just been a rebound.” “From these pictures in the park, Tammy, it sure looks like it. Seems like Mrs. and Mr. Holloway are making up. They’re awfully cozy.” “Definitely looks that way to me, Mia,” Drew agreed. Elias popped the menu off the screen, so he could get a closer look at the pictures they were showing. He prayed that they were wrong, or maybe had the wrong female. Perhaps they’d mixed Kennedy up with one of the former females he had been seen with, but he knew that wasn’t true. They had their facts straight about the career and the divorce, and now the pictures confirmed what his heart already knew. Kennedy was wrapped in the arms of another man, kissing him on the lips. The next picture showed them huddled together in a park in the middle of downtown, and he was embracing her. Another picture showed him caressing her face, and then another showed him kissing her on the top of the head. The TV magazine, flipped to another of the man cuddling her in a passionate embrace, while her face rested against his chest. Each of the photos they displayed, showed a couple clearly in love and expressing their emotions towards one another. Elias didn’t want to hear anymore; he turned the TV off and threw the remote at the wall. “Arggh!” he screamed, “Lord, why didn’t she tell me? Why didn’t she just tell me?” Somewhere deep within he heard a little voice reminding him, “She tried to, but you wouldn’t listen.” About Chelle Ramsey...  Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle Thanks for joining me! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   Tuesday night my kids and I were bored and had nothing better to do than create our own version of the 12 Days of Christmas. Had my husband been awoke, this wonderful creation would not have come from our heads onto paper. He would have shut it down...so enjoy!  On the first day of Christmas, my boo thang gave to me a gemstone for a Pisces.
On the second day of Christmas, my boo thang gave to me two bars of Dove.  On the third day of Christmas, my boo thang gave to me three hair pins.  On the fourth day of Christmas, my boo thang gave to me four books with words.  On the fifth day of Christmas, my boo thang gave to me five jellybeans.  On the sixth day of Christmas, my boo thang gave to me six shoes a-slayin’.  On the seventh day of Christmas, my boo thang gave to me seven tickets winnin.’
On the eighth day of Christmas, my boo thang gave to me eight bundles silky.  On the ninth day of Christmas, my boo thang gave to me nine shades that’s stunnin’
On the tenth day of Christmas, my boo thang gave to me ten cards to swipe ‘em  On the eleventh day of Christmas, my boo thang gave to me eleven twerkers twerkin’  On the twelfth day of Christmas, my boo thang gave to me twelve racks I’m keeping. Thanks for joining me! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   Creative Expressions Literary Services is pleased to announce Virtual Book Tour for Fatal Opposition by Tracee Lydia Garner. The tour will run November 27-December 8, 2017. Author Name: Tracee Lydia Garner Book Title: Fatal Opposition Book Release Date: November 27, 2017 Genre: Multicultural, Inspirational, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense About Tracee...  Tracee Lydia Garner is a bestselling, award-winning author who writes stories full of complex heros and heroines, relationships and families that experience tough but realistic life challenges in their quest for love. Born and raised in a suburb of the DC metro area, Tracee works in health and human service by day, has a degree in Communication and is a speaker and advocate for people with disabilities. Find Tracee on the web at www.Teegarner.com, or connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. About Fatal Opposition...  More than anything, she wants to be a part of something that feels right.... Cashell Bruer has lived a sheltered life. When she meets handsome NFL rookie James Parker on her birthday, she's smitten. With him, she can truly begin to live. But will he want her when he discovers she has a heart condition? Not to mention her new job involves polishing his bad boy image! He longs to make his adoptive family and his team proud, while making peace with his past… James Parker has it all, a family who chose him, and a coveted spot on an NFL team. When lovely, spirited Cashell keeps turning up in his life, he wonders if she's the one to share it all. But what if her only interest in him is status? And even worse, what if his search for his real family ends up putting her in danger? Excerpt... James Parker yawned for the fourth time that evening. This wedding reception wasn't like the bachelor parties he'd been used to attending back in his college days, and that was not a good thing. The most exciting thing that had happened to him so far was playing counselor for his friend and fellow football player Braxton Denton, who seemed increasingly inebriated, regarding his problems with women. The game highlights on the big screen across the room were the only other entertainment available, and the whole situation had James certifiably bored out of his mind. Truth be told, he should have been studying. There was plenty of information he needed to review for a series of upcoming meetings, as well as checking he had the right attire for his new home in Virginia. Goodness knows he needed to be well-dressed for the interviews his coaches had apparently lined up now that they were in the off season. His lack of a definite contract so late into the season was playing on his mind. Beyond that, he was growing tired of playing counselor to his friend and just wanted to leave. Lifting his glass, James took another sip of iced tea and tried not to wince. The drink needed more sugar if it was going to come even close to the kind his adoptive mother, Georgia Parker, used to make. This bitter, too-lemony-tart version would have to do. He set the glass down on the bar with distaste. James couldn't just sneak off to find a nice warm bed in one of the hotel's many rooms, though, because he'd somehow been tapped - again - as the designated driver for the loud knuckleheads around him. The more sloshed he watched everyone get, the more crowded James knew his truck was going to be. Irritated, he picked up his phone and searched to see if there were any on-demand transit services in the area. Maybe, he thought, he could just grab a hotel room for the night until everyone was accounted for, then mete out coffee and showers to the sore-headed ones in the morning before then, and only then, handing them back their keys. There was a time when James hadn't been the responsible one, but things change. He had witnessed tragedy and he had grown up. Fast. "Jay, I think we can work it out." "Yeah?" James was pulled back to listening with half an ear to the dragging conversation: an old standard with his pal Braxton, about love. He fumbled for his usual response. "Definitely try. I mean, you're getting older, time to settle down." "What's that, Jay? Now I'm old? What the heck, man?" James could almost see Braxton's hackles raise. "No man, come on..." James rolled his eyes at the drunken state of his teammate. The booze explained this tendency to get insulted easy and early. James took a deep breath and looked around the lounge area. Today's wedding had been nice enough, but now it was over. His friend Carl had gotten married to his longtime girlfriend Blakely. Now the happy couple were likely upstairs changing outfits while everyone else danced, stuffed their faces and waited for their reappearance. Yes, he thought, it was official: he was stuck there, with nothing to do but babysit two idiots that were still reigning supreme in bachelorhood. From his vantage point, their situation looked pretty depressing. He himself hadn't gotten married either, but unlike them, he told himself, he finally had his priorities straight for once. He would get married, went his mantra, and he swore he was ready to do so now. He was done with a life of partying and drinking. For the most perfect examples of a loving marriage and family, all he had to do was look around his own family: first and foremost at his adoptive parents, now deceased, who'd taken him in as a baby. Now that they were gone, he had his brother Cole and his wife Allontis to look to. James was on good terms with Adrian, his eldest brother, but his relationships with Dexter and Cole were especially close. The fifth brother, Deon, was in jail. If Cole, who'd been a bachelor just a few short years ago, and Dexter, whose wife had died tragically after having been unfaithful to him, could find it in themselves to love again in spite of everything, then James believed that someone could love him too. His faith taught him that married life was sacred, and settling down appealed to James on many levels. Now, just to find the right person. He could find love, he was sure; but of late, he hadn't been all that inspired to look. He certainly couldn't in the company of his current comrades. He eyed his drunk friend again, annoyed at being forced to play chaperone. Braxton's eyes were open, but his face rested atop his glass, half full of brown liquid. The end to James's night couldn't come quickly enough. James smiled as he mentally dismissed his current companions and turned his thoughts to his brothers and their love interests. James had only known Leedra Henderson since that past Christmas, and the first thing he'd learned about her was that she baked a lot. Each time their paths had crossed, she'd filled him with coffee cake, muffins and warm banana bread. More importantly, though, she made Dexter and his daughter Kira happy, and she and James had soon become fast friends. She seemed the perfect foil to both Dexter's quiet nature and Kira's preteen tendency to over-dramatize just about everything. James took a deep breath. He loved his family and missed them all very much. Being on the road so often for games was taxing, and he was happy that his schedule would allow him to spend time at home reconnecting with them for a few months over the summer before training camp started back up. He was looking forward to the start of a whole new chapter with his new team. Present company excluded, that is, he mused wryly. When cheers rang out, James stood up with everyone else and looked to the entrance of the ballroom. The crowd of revelers rushed to greet the newlyweds as a mellow song came on for their first dance. He was happy they'd finally arrived: that meant he wouldn't have to stick around much longer. A toast, a father-daughter dance, another few rounds of drinks for Brax no doubt, then he was home free. The couple would depart for some tropical island honeymoon and that meant James could exit too, with his rowdy brood of adult children in tow. He sat back on the barstool, counting the minutes. "I'm'a call 'er." Braxton had finally managed to sit up straight, but the red-rimmed eyes betrayed his condition. James eyed him wearily. "Look, uh, why don't you wait until you're sober before you do that? You might say something you regret." "Om boy, that'sha good idea. You're smart, friend." James rolled his eyes. "How can I gets sobered fasser?" Brax slurred. "Um, sleep usually I guess, but this stuff, Braxton, won't help," James responded, sliding the glass out of his friend's reach despite his protests. "Bartender?" He caught the server's eye and motioned him over. "Coffee for this one - and please, no more alcohol, okay?" Though the bartender nodded, James saw the mischief in the man's eyes, as if to say: "Sure thing, but that's what hotel rooms are for." James sighed. Drink responsibly was just a catchphrase. Encourage endlessly was the real tag line. James nodded his thanks when the server set a mug of steaming black java before Braxton and surreptitiously emptied the highball glass into the bar sink. Standing to look out over the dance floor to check whether they had reached an acceptable juncture to leave, James noticed an attractive woman enter with her phone to her ear. He followed her with his eyes as she sat down at the other bar on the opposite side of the large ballroom. James waited to see if someone else would join her, because surely someone would. There was a familiarity to her, but he couldn't place where he might know her from. Musing a little, James looked back at his phone. He tapped a series of icons to pull up a recent broadcast: not interested in what was being said, only searching through the faces that appeared on the screen. One beautiful face he sought in particular. He had to figure out if that was her or not. Intrigued, he looked back across the room and found the woman, still alone, was still on the phone. Although he was now sure they didn't know each other, it seemed a perfect time for him to introduce himself. Connect With Tracee... Website: http://www.Teegarner.com Blog: http://teegarner.com/blog/ Facebook: www.Facebook.com/TeeGarnerWrites Twitter: https://twitter.com/teegarner Tour hosted by Creative Expressions Literary Services  Click Here To Follow The Tour Thanks for joining me for another Fab Friday Feature! Please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   This month we're kicking off a new series of Monday Motivational Moment posts. I've collaborated with some excellent writers, to bring you thought-provoking, inspirational posts based on their favorite scriptures. Today's featured writer, is author Paulette Jones. Her message while short and sweet, is definitely on point, and I love this! I really pray that many people will read her message and learn from this. Please welcome her below and read on... 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:3-4 King James Version (KJV). Spreading the news is not always a plus to me. It may be the way I was developed that not everything you do requires an audience. In today’s world that feels more and more like a message that should be spread. Our need to know drives me further and further to just doing because it’s the right thing. Not for the flare of people knowing “I did that” or “I helped them.” My heart says the best thing to do is to just stay silent and see things through. This verse is maybe more a description of me and how I pray I am living my life. I slip for sure in many different aspects of my life and have no idea if I’m fully headed in the right direction. So, I live, I do my best to be humble, and help where and when I can, and just as the verse says “thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” I’m not living for the reward or even the possibility of it, I’m just living knowing I’m doing the best I can with what I’ve been given. Follow Paulette... Website: www.wordsbyladyp.weebly.com Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Paulette-Jones/e/B00TH2TPY4 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wordsbyladyp/ Instagram: AuthorPauletteJones Thanks for joining us for another Motivational Monday Moment. Please drop a comment below, we would love to hear from you. To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   Hello! This is one of my tour stops during my two week book tour for The Bennu Project by Tyrone Givens. This virtual book tour is organized by Write Now Literary Book Tours. This tour runs November 23-December 6, 2017. Follow the tour here. Book your own tour here WNL ASIN: B00VP4N6X8 ISBN-10: 1620309580 ISBN-13: 978-1620309582 Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi About The Book  About The Bennu Project... On a dangerous run to scavenge supplies from a remote excavation site in the Meza Ruins, Azubuike and his friends encounter a unique piece of technology left by their ancestors. Once exposed to the device, Azubuike’s reality is altered in ways that could unravel his mind. The team has no way of knowing the danger—or benefit—posed by this ancient technology which triggered a series of events forever changing Azubuike and his friends. Has he unlocked the secret to end the alien occupation of his world or will this device result in the extinction of his people? The Bennu Project is a genre-defying novel with the suspense of mystery, metaphors of science fiction and accuracy of historical relevance depicting the rise-and-fall of several Nile Valley civilizations. About Tyrone Givens...  Fed up with the stereotypical caricatures used to falsely portray the Black culture, Tyrone Givens is committed to creating heroes and heroines as positive images for our children. To reverse the less-than-flattering qualities that diminish self-esteem, self-worth and cultural value, this master storyteller entertains readers with science fiction plots infused with historical facts often omitted from school curriculums. Givens, a homeschool educator whose high school-aged children are attending college, is a multi-lingual, federally-licensed airplane pilot. The Bennu Project is the culmination of his passions: empowering Black children, accurate depiction of our history and rebuilding our community. Connect with Tyrone... Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ8KIujnf90 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyrone.givens.58 Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheBennuProject/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Thebennuproject InstaGram: @thebennuproject YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcayt4vihvOzygahy3CX9hA Website: https://tyronegivens.com/ Buy Links: Amazon: http://a.co/9Ptgyd4 ebook: http://a.co/hTpB3Gn Tour hosted by WNL Book Tours  Thanks for joining me for another Fab Friday Feature! Please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.  |
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Inspirational women's fiction author, writing the script to my beautifully inspired life! Be Inspired, Follow Me!Archives
June 2019
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